Story Behind The Song
The first two verses are based on actual incidents involving a friend and a family member, respectively.
Song Description
A rocking call for gun control.
| Song Length |
2:56 |
Genre |
Blues - Rock, Country - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Language |
English |
Era |
1970 - 1979 |
Lyrics
SHOOT 'EM UP, COWBOY
Words and music, by Winston Apple
Billy's been working the night shift
He bought a pistol to protect his family
His teen-age daughter's got a crazy boyfriend
When he gets mad, Lord, don't he get mean?
And you say now,
Shoot `em up, shoot `em up, cowboy
Shoot `em up, shoot `em down dead
Don't you worry too much about it
Lord knows that every now and then
Everybody loses their head
Sammy got a shotgun for Christmas
You know he loves to hunt the rabbits and squirrels
`Til one Saturday night when he came home early
Found his best friend there in bed with his girl
And you say now, shoot `em up, shoot `em up, cowboy..
You can put away the birthday candles
Timmy won't be needing them any more
He was meaning to clean Daddy's killing machine
But, he dropped it and it went off when it hit the floor
And you say now, shoot `em up, shoot `em up, cowboy..
© Combine Music, 1978.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.